U.S. patent number 10,854,840 [Application Number 15/358,165] was granted by the patent office on 2020-12-01 for window member and display device including the same.
This patent grant is currently assigned to SAMSUNG DISPLAY CO., LTD.. The grantee listed for this patent is SAMSUNG DISPLAY CO., LTD.. Invention is credited to Jungpyo Hong, Junghwan Kim, Youngkwan Kim, Sangeun Moon, Miso Park.
United States Patent |
10,854,840 |
Kim , et al. |
December 1, 2020 |
Window member and display device including the same
Abstract
A window member includes a base substrate including a bottom
surface, an upper surface opposed to the bottom surface, and a
connecting surface between the bottom surface and the upper
surface, and a blocking layer on the connecting surface, the
blocking layer including an ultraviolet absorber.
Inventors: |
Kim; Youngkwan (Seoul,
KR), Kim; Junghwan (Cheonan-si, KR), Moon;
Sangeun (Suwon-si, KR), Park; Miso (Gumi-si,
KR), Hong; Jungpyo (Suwon-si, KR) |
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
SAMSUNG DISPLAY CO., LTD. |
Yongin-si |
N/A |
KR |
|
|
Assignee: |
SAMSUNG DISPLAY CO., LTD.
(Yongin-si, KR)
|
Family
ID: |
1000005217130 |
Appl.
No.: |
15/358,165 |
Filed: |
November 22, 2016 |
Prior Publication Data
|
|
|
|
Document
Identifier |
Publication Date |
|
US 20170324060 A1 |
Nov 9, 2017 |
|
Foreign Application Priority Data
|
|
|
|
|
May 4, 2016 [KR] |
|
|
10-2016-0055573 |
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H01L
51/5281 (20130101); H01L 51/5246 (20130101); B32B
7/12 (20130101); G02B 5/208 (20130101); H01L
51/5284 (20130101); B32B 17/06 (20130101); H01L
2251/303 (20130101); B32B 2457/20 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
H01L
51/52 (20060101); B32B 7/12 (20060101); B32B
17/06 (20060101); G02B 5/20 (20060101) |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Foreign Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1894601 |
|
Jan 2007 |
|
CN |
|
102712799 |
|
Oct 2012 |
|
CN |
|
103390374 |
|
Nov 2013 |
|
CN |
|
103824519 |
|
May 2014 |
|
CN |
|
103862763 |
|
Jun 2014 |
|
CN |
|
103996357 |
|
Aug 2014 |
|
CN |
|
104064119 |
|
Sep 2014 |
|
CN |
|
104347000 |
|
Feb 2015 |
|
CN |
|
104376785 |
|
Feb 2015 |
|
CN |
|
104553184 |
|
Apr 2015 |
|
CN |
|
105225610 |
|
Jan 2016 |
|
CN |
|
2002-132157 |
|
May 2002 |
|
JP |
|
10-0615998 |
|
Aug 2006 |
|
KR |
|
10-1023129 |
|
Mar 2011 |
|
KR |
|
10-2015-0060322 |
|
Jun 2015 |
|
KR |
|
10-2015-0081868 |
|
Jul 2015 |
|
KR |
|
Other References
Chinese Examination Report for Chinese Patent Application or Patent
No. 201710070839.6, dated Jul. 28, 2020. cited by
applicant.
|
Primary Examiner: Ho; Anthony
Assistant Examiner: Quinto; Kevin
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Kile Park Reed & Houtteman
PLLC
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A window member, comprising: a base substrate including a bottom
surface, an upper surface opposed to the bottom surface, and a
connecting surface between the bottom surface and the upper
surface; a blocking layer on the connecting surface and exposing a
majority of each of the bottom surface and the upper surface, the
blocking layer including an ultraviolet absorber; and a light
blocking layer on the bottom surface, the light blocking layer
being different from the blocking layer, wherein the blocking layer
extends on a portion of the at least one surface of the upper
surface or the bottom surface, and wherein the blocking layer has a
higher transparency than the light blocking layer.
2. The window member as claimed in claim 1, wherein the ultraviolet
absorber includes a benzotriazol, benzophenone, salicylic acid,
salicylate, cyanoacrylate, cinnamate, oxanilide, polystyrene,
azomethine, or triazine-based compound, or a combination
thereof.
3. The window member as claimed in claim 1, wherein the blocking
layer absorbs light having a wavelength range of 300 nm to 400 nm
inclusive.
4. The window member as claimed in claim 1, wherein the connecting
surface includes at least one curved portion.
5. The window member as claimed in claim 1, wherein the blocking
layer further includes at least one of silica or titanium dioxide
(TiO.sub.2).
6. The window member as claimed in claim 1, wherein the blocking
layer is a transparent layer.
7. The window member as claimed in claim 1, wherein the light
blocking layer is a black printed layer or white printed layer.
8. The window member as claimed in claim 1, wherein the connecting
surface includes: a first sub connecting surface connected to the
bottom surface, the first sub connecting surface having a first
curvature; and a second sub connecting surface disposed between the
first sub connecting surface and the upper surface, the second sub
connecting surface having a second curvature.
9. The window member as claimed in claim 8, wherein the blocking
layer is on the first sub connecting surface.
10. The window member as claimed in claim 8, wherein the first and
second curvatures are different from each other.
11. The window member as claimed in claim 8, wherein the second
curvature is greater than the first curvature.
12. The window member as claimed in claim 8, wherein the connecting
surface further includes a third sub connecting surface between the
first and second sub connecting surfaces.
13. The window member as claimed in claim 1, wherein the light
blocking layer is at an edge of the bottom surface.
14. The window member as claimed in claim 13, wherein the blocking
layer neighbors one side surface of the light blocking layer.
15. A display device, comprising: a display panel; a window member
on the display panel; and an adhesive member between the display
panel and the window member, wherein the window member includes a
base substrate including a bottom surface facing the display panel,
an upper surface opposed to the bottom surface, and a connecting
surface between the bottom surface and the upper surface, and a
blocking layer directly on the connecting surface and exposing a
majority of the upper surface, the blocking layer including an
ultraviolet absorber.
16. The display device as claimed in claim 15, wherein the
ultraviolet absorber comprises a benzotriazol, benzophenone,
salicylic acid, salicylate, cyanoacrylate, cinnamate, oxanilide,
polystyrene, azomethine, or a triazine-based compound, or a
combination thereof.
17. The display device as claimed in claim 15, wherein the blocking
layer absorbs light having a wavelength range of 300 nm to 400 nm
inclusive.
18. The display device as claimed in claim 15, wherein the blocking
layer further comprises at least one of silica or titanium dioxide
(TiO.sub.2).
19. The display device as claimed in claim 15, wherein the adhesive
member is adhered to at least one of the bottom surface of the base
substrate or a surface of a light blocking layer located on the
bottom surface of the base substrate.
20. A display device, comprising: a display panel; a window member
on the display panel; and an adhesive member between the display
panel and the window member, wherein the window member includes: a
base substrate including a bottom surface facing the display panel,
an upper surface opposed to the bottom surface, and a connecting
surface between the bottom surface and the upper surface, a
blocking layer on the connecting surface and exposing a majority of
the upper surface, the blocking layer including an ultraviolet
absorber, and a light blocking layer on an edge region of the
bottom surface.
21. The display device as claimed in claim 20, wherein the blocking
layer neighbors one side surface of the light blocking layer.
22. A display device, comprising: a display panel; a window member
on the display panel; and an adhesive member between the display
panel and the window member, an optical member between the display
panel and the adhesive member, wherein the adhesive member
surrounds a side surface of the optical member, and the window
member includes: a base substrate including a bottom surface facing
the display panel, an upper surface opposed to the bottom surface,
and a connecting surface between the bottom surface and the upper
surface, and a blocking layer on the connecting surface and
exposing a majority of the upper surface, the blocking layer
including an ultraviolet absorber.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
Korean Patent Application No. 10-2016-0055573, filed on May 4,
2016, in the Korean Intellectual Property Office, and entitled:
"Window Member and Display Device Including the Same," is
incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.
BACKGROUND
1. Field
Embodiments relate to a window member and a display device
including the same, and more particularly, to a window member
having a blocking layer including an ultraviolet absorber and a
display device including the same.
2. Description of the Related Art
Various types of display devices, for example, a liquid crystal
display device (LCD), a plasma display panel device (PDP), an
organic light emitting display device (OLED), a field effect
display device (FED), an electrophoretic display device, etc. may
be used to provide image information.
Such a display device includes a display panel for displaying an
image and a window for protecting the display panel, etc. The
window may be coupled to the display panel by means of a
transparent optical adhesive member or the like.
SUMMARY
Embodiments are directed to a window member including a base
substrate including a bottom surface, an upper surface opposed to
the bottom surface, and a connecting surface between the bottom
surface and the upper surface, and a blocking layer on the
connecting surface, the blocking layer including an ultraviolet
absorber.
The ultraviolet absorber may include a benzotriazol, benzophenone,
salicylic acid, salicylate, cyanoacrylate, cinnamate, oxanilide,
polystyrene, azomethine, or triazine-based compound, or a
combination thereof.
The blocking layer may absorb light having a wavelength range of
300 nm to 400 nm inclusive.
The connecting surface may include at least one curved portion.
The connecting surface may include a first sub connecting surface
connected to the bottom surface, the first sub connecting surface
having a first curvature, and a second sub connecting surface
disposed between the first sub connecting surface and the upper
surface, the second sub connecting surface having a second
curvature.
The blocking layer may be on the first sub connecting surface.
The first and second curvatures may be different from each
other.
The second curvature may be greater than the first curvature.
The connecting surface may further include a third sub connecting
surface between the first and second sub connecting surfaces.
The blocking layer may further include at least one of silica or
titanium dioxide (TiO.sub.2).
The window member may further include a light blocking layer on an
edge region of the bottom surface.
The blocking layer may neighbor one side surface of the light
blocking layer.
The blocking layer may extend on at least one surface of the upper
surface or the bottom surface.
Embodiments are also directed to a display device including a
display panel, a window member on the display panel, and an
adhesive member between the display panel and the window member.
The window member includes a base substrate including a bottom
surface facing the display panel, an upper surface opposed to the
bottom surface, and a connecting surface between the bottom surface
and the upper surface, and a blocking layer on the connecting
surface, the blocking layer including an ultraviolet absorber.
The ultraviolet absorber may include a benzotriazol, benzophenone,
salicylic acid, salicylate, cyanoacrylate, cinnamate, oxanilide,
polystyrene, azomethine, or a triazine-based compound, or a
combination thereof.
The blocking layer may absorb light having a wavelength range of
300 nm to 400 nm inclusive.
The blocking layer may further include at least one of silica or
titanium dioxide (TiO.sub.2).
The display device may further include a light blocking layer on an
edge region of the bottom surface.
The blocking layer may neighbor one side surface of the light
blocking layer.
The display device may further include an optical member between
the display panel and the adhesive member. The adhesive member may
surround a side surface of the optical member.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Features will become apparent to those of skill in the art by
describing in detail exemplary embodiments with reference to the
attached drawings in which:
FIG. 1 illustrates an exploded perspective view of a display device
according to an embodiment;
FIG. 2 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a window member
corresponding to line I-I' of FIG. 1;
FIG. 3 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a portion of a base
substrate in the window member of FIG. 2;
FIG. 4A illustrates a cross-sectional view of a portion of the
window member of FIG. 2;
FIG. 4B illustrates a cross-sectional view of a portion of the
window member of an embodiment;
FIGS. 5A, 6A, 7A, and 8A illustrate cross-sectional views of window
members of embodiments;
FIGS. 5B, 6B, 7B, and 8B illustrate respective cross-sectional
views of portions of window members of embodiments of FIGS. 5A, 6A,
7A, and 8A;
FIG. 9 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a display device
according to an embodiment;
FIG. 10A illustrates a view depicting a traveling path of
ultraviolet light in a typical display device;
FIG. 10B illustrates a view depicting a traveling path of
ultraviolet light in a display device of an embodiment; and
FIG. 11 illustrates a view depicting a result of comparing overflow
phenomena of adhesive resins.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Example embodiments will now be described more fully hereinafter
with reference to the accompanying drawings; however, they may be
embodied in different forms and should not be construed as limited
to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are
provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and
will fully convey exemplary implementations to those skilled in the
art.
In the drawing figures, the dimensions of layers and regions may be
exaggerated for clarity of illustration. It will also be understood
that when a layer or element is referred to as being "on" another
layer or substrate, it can be directly on the other layer or
substrate, or intervening layers may also be present. Further, it
will be understood that when a layer is referred to as being
"under" another layer, it can be directly under, and one or more
intervening layers may also be present. In addition, it will also
be understood that when a layer is referred to as being "between"
two layers, it can be the only layer between the two layers, or one
or more intervening layers may also be present. Like reference
numerals refer to like elements throughout.
FIG. 1 illustrates an exploded perspective view of a display device
DD according to an embodiment. The display device of FIG. 1
includes a display panel DP, a window member WP, and an adhesive
member AP disposed between the display panel DP and the window
member WP.
The display panel DP may generate an image and provide a front
surface, on which the window member WP is disposed, with the
generated image. The display panel DP may direct the generated
image toward a first directional axis DR1. The display panel DP
illustrated in FIG. 1 may include a display region DA on which an
image is displayed and a non-display region NDA on which no image
is displayed. FIG. 1 exemplarily illustrates a non-display region
NDA which surrounds the display region DA and is disposed in the
periphery of the display region DA. In some implementations, the
non-display region NDA may be provided on one side of the display
region DA. In some implementations, the non-display region NDA may
be omitted.
The display panel DP may be, for example, an organic light emitting
display panel, a liquid crystal display panel, a plasma display
panel, an electrophoretic display panel, a microelectromechanical
system (MEMS) display panel, an electrowetting display panel, or
the like.
The display panel DP may be flexible. The term "flexible" indicates
a property of being bendable, and may encompass various degrees of
bendability from a completely foldable structure to a structure
bendable to a several-nanometer degree. For example, the display
panel DP may be a curved display panel or a foldable display panel.
In some implementations, the display panel DP may be rigid.
In FIG. 1, a plane of the display panel DP parallel to a plane
defined by a second directional axis DR2 and a third directional
axis DR3 are illustrated to have a rectangular shape. In some
implementations, the upper surface of the display panel DP may have
a circular, elliptical, or polygonal shape. In some
implementations, the display panel DP may have a curved shape only
in a portion thereof.
In some implementations, the display panel DP may include both a
planar region and a curved region. The planar region may be a flat
portion parallel to the plane defined by the second and third
directional axes DR2 and DR3, and the curved region may be a bent
portion that is bent from the flat portion. The curved region may
be a portion that is bent from an edge of the planar region. The
display panel DP may have one curved region bent from one side of
the planar region or may include two curved regions bent from edges
of the planar region. In some implementations, the curved regions
may be disposed on all the edges of the planar region.
Referring to FIG. 1, an adhesive member AP may be disposed on the
display panel DP. The adhesive member AP may couple the display
panel DP and the window member WP. The adhesive member AP may be an
optical transparent adhesive layer.
The adhesive member AP which is the optical transparent layer may
be provided in the form of an optical clear adhesive (OCA) or an
optical clear resin (OCR). For example, the optical transparent
adhesive layer that is an OCA may be provided in the form of a
double-sided adhesive tape. The OCR may be provided in a form of a
liquid adhesive resin between the display panel DP and the window
member WP. The liquid adhesive resin may be transformed into a form
of the adhesive member AP fixed through an ultraviolet curing
process.
The adhesive member AP may include any one of an acryl adhesive, a
silicone adhesive, or a urethane adhesive. The adhesive member AP
may have a form in which a liquid adhesive resin is thermally cured
or optically cured. For example, the adhesive resin constituting
the adhesive member AP may include an uncured cross-linkable
reactive group. The adhesive resin may include materials that may
be post-cured by ultraviolet light. For example, the adhesive resin
may include an uncured oligomer or a monomer. The uncured oligomer
or the monomer may include a cross-linkable group. The uncured
cross-linkable reactive group may increase the degree of
cross-linking by inducing a cross-linking reaction. The
cross-linkable reactive group may be a reactive group that may be
thermally cured or optically cured. The adhesive resin may include
an initiator. The initiator may be a thermal initiator or a
photoinitiator. The initiator may induce an additional
polymerization reaction of the monomer or the oligomer.
FIG. 1 illustrates the adhesive member AP as being separated from
the display panel DP and the window member WP. In some
implementations, the adhesive member AP may be disposed in a state
of being coupled to the window member WP and the display panel DP.
For example, in the display device DD, the window member WP and the
display panel DP may be respectively disposed on the upper and
lower surfaces of the adhesive member AP to be coupled to each
other via the adhesive member AP.
FIG. 1 illustrates that the separated adhesive member AP has a
rectangular shape. When the adhesive resin is provided in a liquid
phase between the display panel DP and the window member WP which
face each other, the adhesive member AP formed by curing the
adhesive resin may be provided in various shapes according to the
shapes of the display panel DP or the window member AP which face
the adhesive member AP. The adhesive member AP may be disposed
according to the curved shapes of the display panel DP and the
window member WP which face each other, The adhesive member AP may
be disposed to protrude outwardly from a portion in which the
display panel DP and the window member WP overlap. Accordingly, the
side surface of the adhesive member AP may include a curved
surface. Also, the adhesive member AP may have a gradually
increasing width toward the upper surface of the adhesive member AP
adjacent to the window member WP from the lower surface of the
adhesive member AP adjacent to the display panel DP. Also, in an
embodiment, the side surface of the adhesive member AP may have a
random shape.
The window member WP may be disposed over the display panel DP. The
window member WP may include a base substrate WB and a blocking
layer BL. The blocking layer BL may be disposed primarily on edge
portions of the base substrate WB. Referring to FIG. 1, the
blocking layer BL may be disposed to surround side surfaces of the
base substrate WB.
The window member WP may be disposed to cover the front surface of
the display panel DP and may thereby protect the display panel DP.
For example, the area of the window member WP exposed to the front
surface may be greater than the area of the upper surface of the
display panel DP facing the window member WP.
The base substrate may be made of a suitable material. For example,
the base substrate WB of the window member WP may be made of glass.
For example, the base substrate WB may be made of a reinforced
glass substrate. In some implementations, the base substrate WB may
be made of a flexible plastic material. For example, the base
substrate WB made of a plastic material may be made of polyimide,
polyacrylate, polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA), polycarbonate (PC),
polyethylenenaphthalate (PEN), polyvinylidene chloride,
polyvinylidene difluoride (PVDF), polystyrene, ethylene
vinylalcohol copolymer, or a combination thereof.
The window member WP may further include a functional layer
provided on the base substrate WB. For example, the functional
layer may be a hard coating layer, an anti-fingerprint coating
layer or the like.
The window member WP may further include a frame disposed to
surround the periphery of the base substrate WB. The frame may be
disposed to surround side surfaces of the base substrate WB. Also,
in an embodiment, the frame may be disposed to surround the
blocking layer BL.
The display apparatus DD of an embodiment may further include a
housing accommodating the display panel DP. For example, the
housing may accommodate the display panel DP The window member WP
may be disposed on the housing while covering the front surface of
the display panel DP. Also, the housing may accommodate both the
display panel DP and the window member WP.
The window member WP in an embodiment will be described in detail
with reference to FIGS. 2 to 4B. FIG. 2 illustrates a view of a
cross-section of the window member WP corresponding to line I-I' of
FIG. 1. FIG. 3 illustrates an enlarged cross-sectional view of a
portion of the base substrate WB of the window member WP of FIG. 2.
FIGS. 4A to 4B illustrate enlarged cross-sectional views of a
portion of the window member WP according to an embodiment. FIGS. 3
and 4A illustrate enlarged cross-sectional views of a portion
corresponding to region "DS" of FIG. 2.
The window member WP may include a base substrate WB and a blocking
layer BL. The base substrate WB may include a bottom surface BS, an
upper surface TS opposed to the bottom surface BS, and a connection
surface CS disposed between the bottom surface BS and the upper
surface TS. The connecting surface CS may connect the bottom
surface BS and the upper surface TS. The bottom surface BS and the
upper surface TS may be parallel to each other.
Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, the connecting surface CS of the base
substrate WB may be a curved surface. The connecting surface CS may
include at least one curved surface portion. In some
implementations, the connecting surface CS may include both a
curved surface portion and a planar surface portion and may include
a plurality of planar portions.
Referring to FIG. 3, the connecting surface CS of the base
substrate WB may include a first sub connecting surface CS-1
extending from the bottom surface BS and a second sub connecting
surface CS-2 disposed between the upper surface TS and the first
sub connecting surface CS-1. The first sub connecting surface CS-1
may be a curved surface having a first curvature, and the second
sub connecting surface CS-2 may be a curved surface having a second
curvature.
For example, in a cross-section of the base substrate WB, the
cross-section being perpendicular to the base substrate WB, the
first sub connecting surface CS-1 may be a portion of a
circumference having a first radius of curvature R1, and the second
sub connecting surface CS-2 may be a portion of a circumference
having a second radius of curvature R2. Here, the centers of
curvature of the first radius of curvature R1 and the second radius
of curvature R2 may be positioned inside the base substrate WB.
The first and second curvatures may be different from each other.
For example, in an embodiment illustrated in FIG. 3, the second
curvature may be greater than the first curvature. In some
implementations, the first curvature may be greater than the second
curvature. In some implementations, the first and second curvatures
may be the same as each other. In some implementations, at least
one of the first sub connecting surface CS-1 and the second sub
connecting surface CS-2 may be a portion of an elliptical
circumference.
The window member WP may include a light blocking layer BM disposed
on the bottom surface BS of the base substrate WB. The light
blocking layer BM may be disposed on an edge region of the base
substrate WB. The light blocking layer BM may be disposed on an
outer region of the bottom surface BS of the base substrate WB. The
light blocking layer BM may be a black printed layer or a white
printed layer, as examples.
The blocking layer BL may be disposed on the connecting surface CS.
The blocking layer BL may be disposed on the upper or lower surface
of the connecting surface CS. For example, the blocking layer BL
may be disposed to overlap the connecting surface CS. In an
embodiment of FIG. 4A, the blocking layer BL may be disposed to
overlap the entire connecting surface CS. For example, in the
window member WP, the blocking layer BL may be disposed to surround
an edge portion of the base substrate WB that is the connecting
surface CS of the base substrate WB.
In an embodiment of FIG. 4B, the blocking layer BL may be disposed
to overlap a portion of the connecting surface CS. As shown in FIG.
4B, the blocking layer BL may be disposed only on the first sub
connecting surface CS-1 having a first curvature. In some
implementations, the blocking layer BL may be disposed on a portion
of the second sub connecting surface CS-2 and on the first sub
connecting surface CS-1.
Referring to FIGS. 4A and 4B, the blocking layer BL may be disposed
neighboring the light blocking layer BM disposed on the bottom
surface BS. For example, one side surface of the blocking layer BL
may be in contact with one side surface of the light blocking layer
BM. Accordingly, the blocking layer BL on the connecting surface CS
of the base substrate WB that is not covered by the light blocking
layer BM may block ultraviolet light that may enter the base
substrate WB from the outside. In FIGS. 4A and 4B, the light
blocking layer BM and the blocking layer BL are illustrated as
having a same thickness as each other. In some implementations, the
thickness of the blocking layer BL may be equal to or less than the
thickness of the light blocking layer BM.
The blocking layer BL may include an ultraviolet absorber. The
blocking layer BL may include at least one compound from among
benzotriazol, benzophenone, salicylic acid, salicylate,
cyanoacrylate, cinnamate, oxanilide, polystyrene, azomethine, or
triazine-based compounds. In the exemplified ultraviolet absorber,
the term "-based" compound may include the exemplified compound or
derivatives thereof. For example, a benzotriazol-based compound may
include benzotriazol or a derivative of the benzotriazol.
The blocking layer BL including the ultraviolet absorber may block
ultraviolet light incident to the connecting surface CS. The
ultraviolet absorber of the blocking layer BL may absorb
ultraviolet light incident through the connecting surface CS while
maintaining the transparency of the blocking layer BL. For example,
ultraviolet light incident from outside of the window member WP may
be blocked by being absorbed into the ultraviolet absorber.
The blocking layer BL may absorb ultraviolet light having a
wavelength range of about 200 nm to about 420 nm inclusive. For
example, the blocking layer BL may absorb the ultraviolet light
having a wavelength range of about 300 nm to about 400 nm
inclusive. In an embodiment, the blocking layer BL of the window
member WP may absorb about 95% or more of the ultraviolet light
having a wavelength range of about 200 nm to about 420 mm
inclusive.
The wavelength range of the absorbed ultraviolet light may vary
according to the kind of and the amount of the ultraviolet absorber
included in the blocking layer BL. For example, a
benzotriazol-based ultraviolet absorber may absorb ultraviolet
light of about 300 nm to about 385 nm inclusive. A
benzophenon-based ultraviolet absorber may absorb ultraviolet light
of about 300 nm to about 380 nm inclusive, and a triazine-based
ultraviolet absorber may absorb ultraviolet light of about 260 nm
to about 340 nm inclusive. Accordingly, in consideration of the
wavelength range of the ultraviolet light to be blocked, the
blocking layer BL may be configured to include ultraviolet
absorbers in which different kinds of absorbers are mixed.
The blocking layer BL may have a thickness of about 1 .mu.m to
about 20 .mu.m inclusive. When the thickness of the blocking layer
BL is greater than about 1 .mu.m, the ultraviolet blocking
performance may be sufficient, and when the thickness of the
blocking layer BL is less than about 20 .mu.m, the transparency of
the blocking layer BL may be sufficient.
The blocking layer BL may further include inorganic particles. The
inorganic particles may be an additive agent to adjust the
transmittance of the blocking layer BL. The inorganic particles may
be amorphous nanoparticles. The average diameter of the inorganic
particles may be about 5 nm to about 50 nm inclusive. The inorganic
particles may include silica or titanium dioxide (TiO.sub.2). The
blocking layer BL may include at least one of silica or titanium
dioxide. For example, the blocking layer BL may include an aerosol,
which is a kind of fumed silica, as the inorganic particles.
The inorganic particles may decrease the transmittance of the light
incident to the blocking layer BL. For example, the inorganic
particles may scatter light incident to the blocking layer BL by
using the difference in refractive indexes of the inorganic
particles and the resin constituting the blocking layer BL, and may
thereby decrease the transmittance of the blocking layer BL. The
light transmittance of the blocking layer BL including the
inorganic particles may be greater than about 0% and equal to or
less than about 80%.
Accordingly, the blocking layer BL may effectively block
ultraviolet light transmitted inside the base substrate WB by
allowing the ultraviolet absorber to absorb the ultraviolet light
and by allowing the inorganic particles to decrease the light
transmittance.
The blocking layer BL may include a base resin, the ultraviolet
absorber, and the inorganic particles. The ultraviolet absorber and
the inorganic particles may be dispersed in the base resin. A base
resin that is optically transparent and that can disperse the
ultraviolet absorber and the inorganic particles may be used in the
blocking layer BL. For example, the base resin may be an
acrylate-based resin, for example, urethane acrylate.
A liquid resin in which the base resin, the ultraviolet absorber
and inorganic particles are mixed may be coated onto the base
substrate WB and then converted into a solid phase by a separate
curing process to form the blocking layer BL. In some
implementations, the blocking layer BL may be manufactured in a
film shape in advance by using the liquid resin and then provided
on the base substrate WB by using a bonding process.
The resin for forming the blocking layer BL may include a base
resin, an ultraviolet absorber, inorganic particles, an initiator,
and aromatic-based monomers. For example, the base resin may be
urethane acrylate, and the ultraviolet absorber may be benzotriazol
or benzophenol. The inorganic particles may include aerosil or
titanium dioxide. The initiator may be a photoinitiator. The
monomers may be 2-phenoxy ethyl acrylate (PHEA) or styrene.
The resin for forming the blocking layer BL may contain greater
than about 0 phr and equal to or less than about 0.5 phr inclusive
(parts per hundred resins) of the ultraviolet absorber, about 4 phr
to about 5 phr of the inorganic particles, and about 2 phr to about
2.5 phr of the photoinitiator, in a weight ratio with respect to
100 of the base resin. Greater than about 0 phr and equal to or
less than about 0.5 phr of an aromatic-based monomer may be
contained in the resin for forming the blocking layer BL.
In an embodiment, the window member WP including the blocking layer
BL formed to include the ultraviolet absorber and the inorganic
particles may absorb or reflect ultraviolet light directed towards
the window member WP from the outside and may block the ultraviolet
light introduced through the base substrate WB.
Hereinafter, in describing the window members illustrated in FIGS.
5A to 8B, descriptions overlapping the descriptions described with
reference to FIGS. 1 to 4B will not be repeated, and differences
will be mainly described. FIGS. 5A, 6A, 7A, and 8A illustrate
cross-sectional views of window members WP of embodiments. FIGS.
5B, 6B, 7B, and 8B illustrate respective cross-sectional views of
portions DS of window members of FIGS. 5A, 6A, 7A, and 8A.
Referring to FIGS. 5A and 5B, in a window member WP of an
embodiment, a base substrate WB includes a bottom surface BS, an
upper surface TS, and a connecting surface CS. FIG. 5A illustrates
a view depicting a cross-section of a window member parallel to a
surface defined by a first directional axis DR1 and a second
directional axis DR2. Referring to FIG. 5A, in the window member WP
of an embodiment, the width of a base substrate WB may gradually
decrease in a direction from a bottom surface BS to an upper
surface TS of the base substrate WB. For example, in the embodiment
of FIG. 5A, the width of the bottom surface BS of the base
substrate WB may be greater than the width of the upper surface TS.
The connecting surface CS disposed between the bottom surface BS
and the upper surface TS and connecting the bottom surface BS and
the upper surface TS may be a curved surface. In the cross-section
illustrated in FIG. 5A, the connecting surface CS, which is a
curved surface may correspond, to a portion of a circular
circumference or a portion of an elliptical circumference.
The window member WP of the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 5A and
5B may include a blocking layer BL disposed on the connecting
surface CS. The blocking layer BL may be further disposed on the
bottom surface BS. The blocking layer BL may be disposed to extend
along a portion of the bottom surface BS and surround the
connection surface CS of the base substrate WB. The blocking layer
BL may include a side surface blocking layer BL-C disposed on the
connecting surface CS and a bottom surface blocking layer BL-B
disposed on the bottom surface BS. The side surface blocking layer
BL-C and the bottom surface blocking layer BL-B may be integrally
disposed on portions of the connecting surface CS and the bottom
surface BS. The bottom blocking layer BL-B may be disposed
neighboring one side surface of a light blocking layer BM disposed
on the bottom surface BS.
Referring to FIGS. 6A and 6B, in a window member WP according to an
embodiment, a base substrate WB may include a bottom surface BS, an
upper surface TS, and a connecting surface CS. The window member WP
may include a blocking layer BL disposed on the connecting surface
CS. The blocking layer BL may be disposed on the connecting surface
CS and may further be disposed on the bottom surface BS and the
upper surface TS of the base substrate WB.
In FIGS. 6A and 6B, the base substrate WB may include the bottom
surface BS, the upper surface TS, and the connecting surface CS.
The connecting surface CS may include at least one curved surface
portion. Referring to FIG. 6B, the connecting surface CS may
include a first sub connecting surface CS-1 connected to the bottom
surface BS, a second sub connecting surface CS-2 connected to the
upper surface TS, and a third sub connecting surface CS-3 disposed
between the first sub connecting surface CS-1 and the second sub
connecting surface CS-2. In an embodiment, the first sub connecting
surface CS-1 and the second sub connecting surface CS-2 may be
curved surfaces. The third sub connecting surface CS-3 may be
planar. For example, the third sub connecting surface CS-3 may be a
surface perpendicular to the bottom surface BS or to the upper
surface TS. The first sub connecting surface CS-1 and the second
sub connecting surface CS-2 may be curved surfaces having the same
curvature.
Referring to FIGS. 6A and 6B, a blocking layer BL may be disposed
on the connecting surface CS of the base substrate WB, may surround
the connecting surface CS, and may extend along the bottom surface
BS and the upper surface TS. The blocking layer BL may be disposed
on an edge region of the bottom surface BS and on an edge region of
the upper surface TS. In some implementations, the blocking layer
BL may be disposed on the edge region of the bottom surface BS and
on the connecting surface CS.
The blocking layer BL may include a first sub blocking layer BL-1,
a second sub blocking layer BL-2, and a third sub blocking layer
BL-3 respectively disposed on a first sub connecting surface CS-1,
a second sub connecting surface CS-2, and a third sub connecting
surface CS-3. The blocking layer BL may further include a bottom
blocking layer BL-B disposed on the bottom surface BS and an upper
blocking layer BL-T disposed on the upper surface TS. The first,
second, and third blocking layers BL-1, BL-2, and BL3 disposed on
the connecting surface CS, the bottom blocking layer BL-B, and the
upper blocking layer BL-T may be integrally provided. The bottom
blocking layer BL-B may be disposed neighboring one side surface of
a light blocking layer BM disposed on the bottom surface BS.
Referring to FIGS. 7A and 7B, in a window member WP according to an
embodiment, a base substrate WB may include a bottom surface BS, an
upper surface TS, and a connecting surface CS. The window member WP
may include a blocking layer BL disposed on the connecting surface
CS. The bottom surface and the upper surface TS of the base
substrate WB may be parallel to each other. The connecting surface
CS may be a plane perpendicular to the bottom surface BS and the
upper surface TS. In some implementations, the connecting surface
CS may be an inclined surface inclined with respect to the bottom
surface BS.
In the window member WP according to the embodiment illustrated in
FIGS. 7A and 7B, a blocking layer BL may be disposed on the
connecting surface CS of the base substrate WB, may surround the
connecting surface CS, and may be further disposed on the bottom
surface BS and the upper surface TS. The blocking layer BL may be
disposed on an edge region of the bottom surface BS and on an edge
region of the upper surface TS. For example, the blocking layer BL
may include a side surface blocking layer BL-C disposed on the
connecting surface CS, a bottom blocking layer BL-B disposed on the
bottom surface BS, and an upper blocking layer BL-T disposed on the
upper surface TS. In some implementations, the blocking layer BL
may be disposed on an edge region of the bottom surface BS and on
the connecting surface CS. The bottom blocking layer BL-B may be
disposed neighboring one side surface of a light blocking layer BM
disposed on the bottom surface BS.
In FIGS. 8A and 8B, a window member WP according to an embodiment
may include a base substrate WB, a blocking layer BL, and a light
blocking layer BM. The base substrate WB may include a bottom
surface BS, an upper surface TS opposed to the bottom surface BS,
and a connection surface CS disposed between the bottom surface BS
and the upper surface TS. In the window member WP according to the
present embodiment, the base substrate WB may be a substrate in
which an edge portion is bent. For example, the upper surface TS of
the base substrate WB may include an upper flat surface TS-F and an
upper bent surface TS-C. The bottom surface BS may include a bottom
flat surface BS-F and a bottom bent surface BS-C. The upper bent
surface TS-C may be bent at an edge of the upper flat surface TS-F,
and the bottom bent surface BS-C may be bent at an edge of the
bottom flat surface BS-F. For example, the base substrate WB may
include a flat portion and a bent portion bent at an edge portion
of the flat portion.
The blocking layer BL may be disposed on the connecting surface CS.
The blocking layer BL may be further disposed on the upper surface
TS of the base substrate WB. Referring to FIGS. 8A and 8B, the
blocking layer BL may be disposed on the connecting surface CS and
the upper bent surface TS-C. In FIGS. 8A to 8B, an upper blocking
layer BL-T may be disposed on the entire upper bent surface TS-C,
as illustrated in FIGS. 8A to 8B. In some implementations, the
upper blocking layer BL-T may be disposed only on a portion of the
upper bent surface TS-C. As shown in FIGS. 8A to 8B, the blocking
layer BL may be disposed neighboring to a light blocking layer BM
disposed on the bottom surface BS.
The window member of an embodiment may include, on the base
substrate, a blocking layer including an ultraviolet absorber and
may thereby block ultraviolet light provided from the outside.
Also, yield may be improved in a bonding process of a display panel
and a window member by using the window member of an embodiment in
a display device. That is, the blocking layer may block the
ultraviolet light, which is used to cure a side surface of the
adhesive resin exposed to the outside in the bonding process of the
window member and the display panel, so as not to be provided on
the adhesive member disposed between the display panel and the
window member. Accordingly, the ultraviolet light is blocked so as
not to be partially provided through the window member, and may
thereby increase the curing uniformity of the adhesive member, and
may prevent non-uniform distribution of the adhesive member due to
pre-curing.
FIG. 9 illustrates a cross-sectional view depicting a display
device DD according to an embodiment. For example, FIG. 9 may
illustrate a cross-section of the display device DD depicted in
FIG. 1. Hereinafter, in describing the display device illustrated
in FIG. 9, descriptions overlapping the descriptions on the
above-mentioned display device of FIG. 1 and the window member
described with reference to FIGS. 2 to 4B will not be repeated, and
differences will be mainly described.
The display device DD of an embodiment may include a display panel
DP, an adhesive member AP disposed on the display panel DP, and a
window member WP disposed on the adhesive member AP. The adhesive
member AP may be disposed between the display panel DP and the
window member WP and may couple the display panel DP and the window
member WP to each other. In an embodiment, the adhesive member AP
may be disposed between the base substrate WB and an encapsulation
layer ECL of the display panel DP, and may be disposed to surround
a portion of a light blocking layer BM.
In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 9, the display panel DP may
be an organic light emitting display panel. The display panel DP
may include a base member SUB, a device layer OEL, and an
encapsulation layer ECL. The device layer OEL may be disposed on
the base member SUB. The encapsulation layer ECL may surround the
device layer OEL and may be disposed on the base member SUB and the
device layer OEL. The display panel DP may further include an
optical member disposed on the encapsulation layer ECL. The optical
member may be a phase retardation plate, a polarizing plate, or the
like.
The base member SUB may be a glass substrate or a plastic
substrate. For example, when the base member SUB is a plastic
substrate, the base member SUB may include at least any one of
polyimide (PI), polyethyleneterephthalate (PET),
polyethylenenaphthalate (PEN), polyethersulphone (PES) or fiber
reinforced plastics (FRP). At least one inorganic layer may be
provided on the base member SUB. For example, a silicon nitride
layer or a silicon oxide layer may be provided on the base member
SUB.
The device layer OEL may include display elements. The display
elements may be organic light-emitting diodes, as examples. The
encapsulation layer ECL may protect the device layer OEL. The
encapsulation layer ECL may be disposed to surround the device
layer OEL and seal the device layer OEL. The encapsulation layer
ECL may be, for example, a thin film encapsulation layer. In an
embodiment, an encapsulation substrate may be used instead of the
encapsulation layer ECL. The encapsulation substrate may be
disposed to be spaced apart from the base member SUB with the
device layer OEL therebetween. A sealing agent may be provided
along a periphery of the encapsulation substrate and the base
member SUB by forming a predetermined space.
The display device DD may further include a touch sensing unit on
the display panel DP. The touch sensing unit may be disposed
between the display panel DP and the window member WP. An adhesive
layer may be provided between the touch sensing unit and the
display panel DP The touch sensing unit and the display panel DP
may be coupled via the adhesive layer. The touch sensing unit may
be continuously provided on some components of the display panel
DP, for example, on an encapsulation layer ECL without a separate
adhesive layer.
To manufacture the display device according an embodiment, a
process of bonding the window member and the display panel with the
adhesive member therebetween may be provided. The adhesive member
may be provided as a liquid adhesive resin on the bottom surface of
the window member, and after the adhesive resin is provided, the
display panel may be provided on the adhesive resin and may thereby
be bonded to the window member. When a predetermined pressure is
applied to the window member and the display panel which are
bonded, the adhesive resin may be spread between the display panel
and the window member to fill a gap between the display panel and
the window member. To prevent the adhesive resin that fills the gap
between the display panel and the window member and that is exposed
to the outside, from flowing, external ultraviolet light may be
provided. The provided ultraviolet light may control the flow of
the resin by curing the exposed adhesive resin. The liquid phase
adhesive resin may be cured by using a separate process, and may be
formed as an adhesive member after being cured.
FIGS. 10A and 10B schematically illustrate a process by which
ultraviolet light may be provided to cure the exposed resin in
order to prevent the exposed adhesive resin from flowing. FIG. 10A
illustrates a manufacturing process for a general display device
that does not include a blocking layer for blocking ultraviolet
light, and FIG. 10B illustrates a manufacturing process for a
display device according to an embodiment.
A light source LD may project ultraviolet light from outside the
display devices DD' and DD toward the display devices DD' and DD.
The light source LD may be a light emitting diode (LED) for
providing ultraviolet light. The light source LD may be disposed at
a position corresponding to an edge portion of the window member
WP'. For example, in FIGS. 10A to 10B, the light source LD may be
disposed under the display devices DD' and DD to provide exposed
adhesive members AP-O' and AP-O with ultraviolet light. The light
source LD may provide the ultraviolet light having a wavelength
range of about 350 nm to about 400 nm inclusive. For example, a
central wavelength of the light source LD may be about 355 nm or
about 385 nm.
Referring to FIG. 10A, since the general display device DD' does
not include a blocking layer for blocking ultraviolet light,
ultraviolet light that is provided from external light source LD
may be transmitted to an edge portion of the base substrate WB that
is not occluded by a light blocking layer BM'. In FIG. 10A, the
path of the ultraviolet light provided from the light source LD is
illustrated by arrows. A portion of the provided ultraviolet light
serves as a light source for curing the exposed adhesive member
AP-O', and another portion of the ultraviolet light is transmitted
through a base substrate WB' and is then reflected inside the base
substrate WB', to be provided to a portion of the adhesive member
AP' disposed between the base substrate WB' and the display panel
DP'. The adhesive member AP' may be an adhesive resin in an uncured
state. The ultraviolet light may be reflected from an inner surface
of the base substrate WB' and the uncured adhesive resin may be
partially cured by the provided ultraviolet light. Accordingly, due
to the adhesive resin which is partially cured, the curing degree
of the finally cured adhesive member AP' may partially vary.
Accordingly, curing spots of the adhesive member AP' due to the
difference in curing degree may appear. Also, when the adhesive
resin is not sufficiently spread, the adhesive resin may be
partially cured such that the adhesive member may not be uniformly
disposed between the window member WP' and the display panel
DP'.
In comparison, FIG. 10B schematically illustrates a process for
curing the adhesive resin exposed in a display device DD according
to an embodiment. In FIG. 10B, the path of the ultraviolet light
provided from an external light source LD is illustrated by arrows.
The display device DD of an embodiment may include a blocking layer
BL on a window member WP. Referring to FIG. 10B, the blocking layer
BL may be disposed neighboring a light blocking layer BM and may be
disposed to surround a side surface of a base substrate WB. The
ultraviolet light provided from an external light source LD may be
partially provided to the exposed adhesive member AP-O. However,
unlike in FIG. 10A, in the display device DD of an embodiment in
FIG. 10B, ultraviolet light is not provided to an uncured adhesive
resin provided between the display panel DP and the window member
WP.
For example, the blocking layer BL may include an ultraviolet
absorber to absorb or reflect the ultraviolet light provided from a
light source LD. The blocking layer BL may thereby block the
ultraviolet light from being directed toward the adhesive member AP
through the base substrate WB, and thus may prevent the adhesive
resin from being pre-cured. For example, the blocking layer BL may
absorb ultraviolet light of about 300 nm to about 400 nm inclusive
and may thereby block ultraviolet light of the light source LD
having a central wavelength of about 355 nm or about 385 nm
inclusive. Accordingly, the curing degree of the adhesive member AP
may be made more uniform by including the blocking layer BL. The
adhesive member AP may be uniformly disposed between the display
panel DP and the window member WP by preventing the adhesive resin
from being pre-cured before being sufficiently applied.
FIG. 11 compares and illustrates the overflow degrees of resins
constituting adhesive members in a display device of an embodiment
including a blocking layer and in a display device that does not
include a blocking layer. In FIG. 11, Comparative Examples 1 and 2
illustrate experimental results for a display device that does not
include a blocking layer. Examples 1 and 2 illustrate experimental
results for a display device including a block layer. In the graph
of FIG. 11, "Gap" represents a gap between a display panel and a
window member, and "Resin Overflow Level" represents an overflow
degree of an uncured adhesive rein.
Comparative example 1 and Example 1 illustrate a case in which the
intensity of ultraviolet light provided from a light source to cure
an exposed resin is about 200 mW. Comparative Example 2 and Example
2 illustrate a case in which the intensity of ultraviolet light is
about 1500 mW. Comparing Examples 1 and 2, it may be understood
that the greater the intensity of the provided ultraviolet light,
the smaller the resin overflow level. For example, it may be
ensured that when ultraviolet light having a greater intensity is
provided to the exposed adhesive resin, the adhesive resin is cured
in a short time and the amount of the exposed resin may be
reduced.
Also, comparing Comparative example 1 with Example 1, it may be
understood that the overflow resin level is reduced in Example 1 as
compared to Comparative example 1. For example, it may be
understood that even when the window member includes the blocking
layer as in an embodiment, the efficiency of curing the exposed
adhesive resin is not degraded.
Comparative Example 2 and Example 2 are the cases in which the
intensities of ultraviolet light are increased in comparison with
Comparative Example 1 and Example 1. In the case of Comparative
Example 2, due to ultraviolet light having a strong intensity, the
ultraviolet light transmitted through a window member is provided
to an adhesive member, and thereby pre-cured portion may appear. In
the graph of FIG. 11, the portion indicated as "NA" represents a
case in which a pre-cured portion exists. In comparison, in Example
2, a resin over flow level may be controlled without a pre-cured
portion even in the same gap.
Referring to the results of FIG. 11, the display device of an
embodiment blocks ultraviolet light transmitted through the base
substrate from reaching the adhesive member by including the
blocking layer on the connecting surface of the base substrate of
the window member. Thus, a freedom of selecting a process condition
may be increased. For example, even when the intensity of the
ultraviolet light provided to control an overflow resin level is
increased, the adhesive member disposed between the display panel
and the window member may be prevented from being pre-cured, and
thus, the overflow resin level may be controlled in a short time by
increasing the intensity of ultraviolet light. Thus, the flow of
the adhesive resin may be easily controlled.
In an embodiment, a window member and a display device including
the same may include a blocking layer that includes an ultraviolet
light absorber. The blocking member may thereby block ultraviolet
light provided to the window member. For example, the blocking
member may block ultraviolent light from a light source used to
cure an adhesive member that secures a window member to a display
panel. Also, in an embodiment, a display device may block
ultraviolet light from reaching an uncured adhesive resin through a
window member in a manufacturing process. Thereby, the blocking
member may prevent the adhesive member from being partially
pre-cured. Thus, according to embodiments, the quality of a display
device may be improved by including the adhesive member uniformly
disposed between a display panel and the window member.
According to an embodiment, a window member may include a blocking
layer including an ultraviolet light absorber and may thereby block
ultraviolet light transmitted through a window edge portion.
According to an embodiment, a display device may include a window
member including an ultraviolet light absorber. Thereby ultraviolet
light transmitted through a window edge portion may be blocked from
being transmitted to an adhesive member.
According to an embodiment, a display device may include a blocking
layer including an ultraviolet light absorber. Thereby, ultraviolet
light transmitted to a portion of an uncured adhesive member may be
blocked, and pre-curing of the adhesive member may be prevented.
Thus, the adhesive member may be uniform and an appearance quality
of the display device may be improved.
According to an embodiment, a display device may include a window
member having an ultraviolet absorber. Accordingly, overflow of an
adhesive member toward a side surface of a display panel may be
effectively controlled.
Example embodiments have been disclosed herein, and although
specific terms are employed, they are used and are to be
interpreted in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for
purpose of limitation. In some instances, as would be apparent to
one of ordinary skill in the art as of the filing of the present
application, features, characteristics, and/or elements described
in connection with a particular embodiment may be used singly or in
combination with features, characteristics, and/or elements
described in connection with other embodiments unless otherwise
specifically indicated. Accordingly, it will be understood by those
of skill in the art that various changes in form and details may be
made without departing from the spirit and scope thereof as set
forth in the following claims.
* * * * *